Chadwick Boseman to play James Brown in biopic

Los Angeles: Chadwick Boseman, who played Jackie Robinson in `42`, will star as Soul singer James Brown in a biopic.

The film will be directed by Tate Taylor, who helmed `The Help`. He is also producing along with Imagine`s Brian Grazer and Erica Huggins. Mick Jagger and Victoria Pearman also producing under their Jagged Films banner. Brown is best known for his songs such as "Papa`s Got a Brand New Bag" and "I Got You (I Feel Good)." The R&B legend rose from humble beginnings to the height of stardom -- but he also battled drug addiction, was arrested for domestic violence, and faced financial ruin several times, said the Hollywood Reporter. According to the Wrap, Taylor is also keen to bring his `The Help` stars Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer onboard for this project. PTI